How Will Anderson Jr. Could Fall to Detroit Lions in NFL Draft

Peter King released his annual 2023 NFL mock draft.

The general sentiment heading into the 2023 NFL Draft is that the Detroit Lions would be major winners if they are somehow able to land Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr. 

In the majority of projections, it would require general manager Brad Holmes to put together a trade package in order to move up in the draft, even all the way up to the No. 2 position.

In NFL reporter Peter King's only 2023 mock draft, one scenario is presented that showcases how the talented defensive lineman falls to Detroit. 

The easiest pathway for Anderson to drop would be if there was a run on quarterbacks in the first four picks of the draft. 

Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and C.J. Stroud are likely to be the top quarterbacks on many team's boards, making it likely they will be selected early in the draft. 

For Anderson to land in Detroit, Jalen Carter would then need to be the player that the Seattle Seahawks covet at No. 5, after the quarterbacks are selected. 

Ideal scenario for Lions

In King's sole projection, there is a trade that occurs early in the draft, as the Tennessee Titans trade up to the No. 3 spot to select C.J. Stroud. 

The first pick is quarterback Bryce Young, while EDGE rusher Tyree Wilson is the second pick made by the Houston Texans. 

The Indianapolis Colts select quarterback Will Levis at No. 4, and Carter still lands with the Seahawks, paving the way for Anderson to be targeted. 

"How about the Lions getting the top edge-rush prospects (on many boards) in two successive drafts—Aidan Hutchinson and Anderson? Most interesting quote from a GM in the market for an edge rusher: 'Tyree Wilson’s a swing for the fences. Will Anderson’s a solid double.' This pick also fits the Lions—right now—because of the gambling suspensions they were hit with last week," writes King. "It’s a tough call here, with cornerback also being a long-term need and every corner left on the board—including Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, who’s the kind of uber-physical hitter who’d fit in well with the tough-guy coaching staff of Dan Campbell. But Anderson’s a solid, positive pick, another brick in the wall for GM Brad Holmes in his attempt to build a division champion, and more, in no-longer-woebegone Detroit."

With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit targets Deonte Banks, one of the talented defensive backs coming out of college. 

King explained, "Storyline I would urge you NOT to buy: With the gambling suspension of Jameson Williams, look for the Lions to consider seriously a dive into the receiver market here. Nope. Once the Lions found out the ban would be for six weeks, they figured they wouldn’t upset their draft plans and take a wideout early. After jettisoning Jeff Okudah to Atlanta pre-draft, the rising Banks is a strong candidate here."